Cael was the first to step forward.
He walked directly to Neve and cupped his face in both hands, tilting it up so their eyes met.
"Listen to me," Cael said, his voice steady and certain. "No matter who you are. No matter where you come from. No matter if you're human or red panda or something else entirely. You belong here. You belong with me... us."
He kissed Neve's forehead gently.
Ryker moved closer and placed a hand on Neve's shoulder.
"I already lost my chieftaincy," Ryker said. "I lost my position and my status. And you know what? I don't regret it for a single second because I have you."
He squeezed Neve's shoulder reassuringly.
"The system gave you these missions? Fine. We'll help you complete them. All of us. Together."
Kelly nodded from where he was standing.
"I'm next in line for bonding anyway," he said with a slight grin. "So I'm already committed to this. Whatever you need from me, I'm here."
